A 26 year-old Canefield man has been slapped with a fine of $4,500.00 for the offense of theft of a gold chain in the city of Roseau two months ago.
Taj Burnes appeared before the Roseau Magistrate court today, August 2, 2022, where the charge was read to him which he pleaded guilty to.
The charge states that on May 27, 2022, at Cross Lane, Roseau, Burnes stole a gold chain and a gold pendant from Fredericka Alexander-Durand valued at EC$4,000.00.
According to facts of the case presented to the court by Police Prosecutor, Inspector Davidson Cadette, on the aforementioned date about 9:30 a.m., Alexander-Durand was walking in Roseau near the vicinity of J.R bar when Burnes approached her from the back and grabbed her chain and pendant from around her neck.
She swung her plastic bag after him but he ran in a northerly direction. She made chase after him along with other civilians who were present on the scene but Burnes made good his escape.
The complainant subsequently made a report to the Police Headquarters and Constable Lawrenece was assigned as the investigator in the matter.
During the course of his investigation, the officer received certain information and went to the home of the Burnes at Housing Scheme, Canefield in search of him. However, the search proved futile.
A few days later, Burnes’ mother contacted the police and handed the stolen gold chain to Constable Lawrence and informed him of the whereabouts of her son.
On July 31, 2022, the investigating officer met Burnes in police cells and he was later interviewed and had a confrontation with the Virtual Complainant (VC). There the defendant admitted to stealing the chain but stated he had no recollection of a pendant being attached. A charge of theft was subsequently preferred against him.
At the court hearing, when questioned by Chief Magistrate Candia Carrette-George as to why a custodial sentence should not be imposed, the defendant stated, “I was frustrated and something go up in my head.”
In handing down her sentence, Magistrate Carrette-George said she took into consideration Burnes guilty plea, the fact that he is not known to the court and the fact that he appeared remorseful for his actions.
“I will not send you to jail because you are a first time offender but I hope you take this as a learning experience,” Magistrate Carrette-George told Burnes. She further cautioned, “Try your best to stay on the right side of the law. You need money go and work for it.”
The defendant was ordered to pay compensation to the VC in the sum of $2,500.00 for her pendant which was not recovered no later than October 31, 2022.
He was also fined an additional $2,000.00 to be paid to the court on or before February 28, 2023. In default of any payment the defendant will be imprisoned for six months.
In other court news, Julien Maxwell of River Street, Roseau, is on remand at the Dominica State Prison in search of a surety in order to be released on bail.
Maxwell appeared before the court today where a charge of burglary was read to him. He was not required to enter a plea as the matter is an indictable offense and is expected to be tried before a judge and jury.
It is alleged that on July 22, 2022, at Solomon Lane, Goodwill, Maxwell entered a dwelling home as a trespasser and stole certain items to include, a gold and silver jewelers, a baby bag and baby clothing, canned goods, pasta and deodorants all to the total value of EC$2,862.00
Police Prosecutor, Inspector Cadette did not object to bail however the defendant was unable to present a surety to the court. As such Magistrate Carrette-George remanded him in custody.
The matter was adjourned to December 2, 2022 for Preliminary Inquiry.
Mr supposed to be stripped naked on a Saturday morning in the middle of market and given 40 lashes . Then he free to be released and go home . Them man does just sit in jail and get fat of people taxes . Bring back corporal punishment, and so on . Them man doesn’t learn .
Good lesson to learn , leave people’s thing alone because you don’t know how hard this person work for what they have. He will know to see with his hand and touch with his eyes.
No charge for threatening the victim; no charge for assault and injury; No charge for unlawful conduct; No charge for harassment; No charge for intimidation; No charge for violating the victim’s civil rights; No charge disgracing the victim; just a slap on the wrist for stealing. What a disgraceful judicial system in corrupt Dominica
Disgraceful justice system for sure..but when you call our Dominica a corrupt country then you going way too far
We all know that there will always be “corruption in high places” in any country and Dominica is no exception..but when you label our hard-working, long-suffering citizens as corrupt (hence evil) people..that’s just not right at all
Codos to the mother she is not a mamá sutiwey.
Too many parents cover up for their children. Continue mom never condon this..we try to raise our children well and then they still take their own way and embarrass us.
Taj, take a good look at this picture and use this as one of the best experiences you ever had, and start looking for gainful employment, to make the money you need to support yourself and your family. A man was made to work hard for his living and eat from the sweat of his brow, not from others.
Think and have consideration for the mother you drag through these uncomfortable times with you in court and every time you get into problems.
You know God, my boy ask him to direct your path…. go back to the God of your childhood. Proverbs 3: 5-6
Frustration will not set you free again, your brother needs help in his job, he is begging you to work….so work.
Dat criminal should also face a heavy jail time. Where is the deterrent factor, where is the outcry? This lenient response is just motivating criminal activity.
You do wrong bad will always find a way of getting back to you. That’s just how “Karma” works! I hope he learns his lesson!
There is not a dull day in Dominica these days. Crime is really on the rampage. Any innocent resident can become a victim at any hour of the day.
Happy to note that these two particular cases were tried expeditiously. Hope this effort will become the norm.